MOBILE, Ala. – Sophomore Kristyn Thacker’s (Ellenwood, Ga.) lone goal was enough to propel the University of South Alabama soccer team to a 1-0 victory over Presbyterian Friday night at The Cage on the first day of the Port City Classic.

In the 32nd minute of play a corner kick by sophomore Clarissa Hernandez (Pensacola, Fla.) found the foot of Thacker who put it in the back of the net for the first and only Jaguar goal of the night.

”We’ve been working hard to try to score on corners,” said USA head coach Mike Varga. “Tonight we executed what we needed to and we came in and scored one.”

With the win, USA advances its win streak to six matches and its record to 6-1 on the season. The Blue Hose have not been able to pick up a win yet, and fall to 0-5.

“I thought we had some chances to put a couple away, but I give Presbyterian a lot of credit,” Varga said. “They fought hard the whole time, and made us grind out a win. I’m glad that we were tested today. We stood up to the test and we won a game that was close. I’m proud of the girls for doing that.”

South Alabama outshot PC 18-11 on the night.

Jaguar goalkeeper Melissa Drish (Conyers, Ga.) got the win and recorded four saves, including one with less than five minutes to play to preserve USA’s fourth consecutive shutout this year.  

The Blue Hose came inches away from tying the score at 1-1 in the 54th minute when a header by Rebecca Miller hit the crossbar.

The Jags almost put it away late but Brandi Smith (Red Oak, Texas) was denied by Presbyterian goalkeeper Sarah Beth Anderson and then the post.

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com.  Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).

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